In Zürich 16 athletes already received their Diamond Trophy, in Brussels 16 more Diamond Race Finals are on the program. Justin Gatlin became the 100m Diamond Race winner and faces superstar Usain Bolt on the distance in Brussels. Nesta Carter and Kemar Bailey-Cole are the other contenders.
In the 200m Moscow silver medalist and Diamond Race leader Warren Weir is the clear favourite. However Ashmeade, Martine or Dix are ready to make life difficult for the Jamaican.
In the 800m World Champion Mohammed Aman will get a tough challenge from Symmonds, Souleiman and Solomon. In the 5000m, the last race of the evening, Moscow silver medalist Gebrhiwet is taken on by his Ethiopian compatriots Alamirew and Edris. Koech, Soi and Longosiwa defend the Kenyan colours and Albert Rop from Bahrein is a dangerous outsider. But many eyes will be on the American Galen Rupp who has set his sights on this event.
Teddy Tamgho was the dominant winner in the Triple Jump at the World Championships and is offered a true rematch in Brussels with Pichardo, Claye, and Olympic Champion taylor all on the runway.
In the Pole Vault weather conditions are promising for a 6m-jump by Renaud Lavillenie. In the Shot Put a duel is expected between Diamond Race leader Ryan Whiting and World Champion David Storl. In the Javelin Throw victory is up for grabs. Vesely, Pitkämäki, Ruuskanen and Tarabin have equal chances for the longest throw of the evening.
In the Women’s events Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce is still in World Championship shape as she goes in the starting blocks in the 200m. The 400m brings together the top 5 finishers in Moscow. Can Ohuruogo repeat her winning race against Montsho ? Aregawi was one of the most outstanding World Champions but Obiri, Kibiwot and Cherono are now planning to set the 1500m on fire.
Three medal winners from Moscow are ready for a new battle in Brussels on the 3000m steeple. Chemos, Chepkurui and Assefa are all eager to win. In the 100m Hurdles Pearson was beaten into silver in Moscow. Bronze medal winner Porter and Diamond Race leader Harper-Nelson can not be ruled out either.
The High Jump is announced as a duel between Olympic Champion Chicherova and World Champion Svetlana Shkolina. Classic rivalry in the Triple Jump between Ibarguen and Saladukha. World and Olympic Champion Perkovic remained unbeaten until last Tuesday in the Discus Throw. But Zaneta Glanc from Poland recently set the World best performance.